What is a Vocational Course?
A vocational training course, called VET (Vocational Education and Training), is a professional education system that focuses on the practical preparation of students to work in selected occupations. It is a very popular and attractive alternative for international students who want to take skilled oriented courses. VET courses are offered by accredited Australian educational institutions such as Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes and private colleges.
VET is distinct, because it focuses on teaching practical skills that will pave your way to enter the workforce. It also lets you develop, update and improve your skills in your chosen field and can give you the opportunity to easily change careers.
7 Reasons Why Vocational Courses are Good for International Students
Studying a VET course will broaden your skills in a specialised area and teaches you the practical experience you'll need for the workplace. You will also learn how to design, plan, and execute the practical and technical aspects of your field in an industry context.
Expand Your Horizons
Studying abroad could be one of the best decisions for an international student like you. You get to immerse yourself in the customs and culture of your host country. A VET course can also help an international student broaden their horizon in life and lead to greater satisfaction.
Develop an International Career
Studying abroad gives international students the chance to build up a network of contacts from many countries. This can lead to many career opportunities that you could never imagine were possible.
Another benefit is that you get to study and train alongside people from many different cultures. This type of unique educational experience can expose you to new perspectives. This will benefit you and lead to various opportunities if you choose to return to your home country once you graduate.
Affordable Fees
According to the official website of Study Australia, VET course fees are comparatively affordable. Most VET courses are cheaper to study than university degrees and/or PhDs. However, course fees can vary widely depending on the course, institution, qualification and location chosen. It’s always best to check with your chosen education provider for the accuracy of tuition fees.
Small Size Classes
VET classes are usually attended by a small number of students. This way, students can get personal attention from the instructors. As a result, international students will be able to learn directly from the professors and grasp as much knowledge as they can.
Another good thing about classes in VET is that they are not held in a typical classroom but in an industry-based classroom. Hence, students will get first-hand knowledge and information on the field/course they are studying.
Boosts Personal Development
Studying abroad may be the defining moment in your personal development. This is because living in a foreign country gives you the chance to become more independent. Although your work experience may make you a more valuable employee, you are the one who really benefits.
Most international students who have studied abroad have found that they have become more self-reliant, and have learned so much about themselves.
A report by the International Education Association of Australia outlined many of the personal benefits of studying abroad. Some personal benefits include:
- Greater awareness of moral and ethical issues
- Better communication skills
- Increase in self-confidence
- Personal growth through learning, open-mindedness, and knowledge of diverse cultures
- Better equipped to deal with personal and academic challenges
The report also highlighted that graduates who studied abroad were less likely to be unemployed 5 years after graduation. Additionally, 50% of participants who studied abroad said the experience had a positive effect on their career prospects.
Skill Oriented Practical Training
VET teaching staff are not just industry- aware but are also experienced in their field. They have actual and sufficient experience in their fields of expertise in which they modify their courses to reflect the trends and focal needs of the industry. This means that studying VET courses isn’t just about theories but also about the practical application of the subjects you are studying. The training of each course is geared toward the real-life scenario of the industry they will belong to in the future.
Sufficient Time for Adjusting in a New Country
The classes in VET courses do not take up so much time. VET classes are usually flexible in terms of time. This means that international students will have ample time to go out, socialise and become more acquainted with the culture in their host country.
What Happens Next?
VET Courses are a great way to expand your skills, explore career options or an alternative strategy for international students to enrol in university. You can also use your VET qualification as a pathway to higher education.
International students who complete a VET course with a Certificate IV and above are eligible to continue studying in the higher education sector. And depending on the course and entry requirements, VETs can also provide prior learning credit to higher level qualifications, meaning you might be able to take a few years off your degree.
After completing some VET Courses in Australia like Commercial Cookery + Hospitality and Automotive packaged courses etc, you might be eligible to work in your chosen field as a skilled worker.
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